rhino brace information | Dr Justine St George

Understanding the Rhino Hip Abduction Brace:

A Guide for Parents

If your baby has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia Dr. Justine St George may recommend the Rhino Hip Abduction Brace as part of the treatment strategy.

This informative guide will help you understand the purpose of the brace, how to use it, and address common concerns.

What is the Rhino Brace?

The Rhino brace is specifically designed for infants aged 3 to 24 months to maintain the legs in an abducted and flexed position—often described as a "frog-like" stance. This positioning helps ensure that the ball of the hip joint remains securely seated in the socket, promoting proper growth and development of the hip joint.

How to Use the Rhino Brace

Clothing:

Always dress your baby in stretchy pants or leggings under the brace . You can also wear pants a few sizes larger over the brace to ensure comfort and warmth.

Application:

You can lay your baby on their back and slide the brace underneath them.

Alternatively, open all straps and place the brace on a changing table, then position your baby into the brace.

Strapping:

Fasten the thigh straps firmly but comfortably, ensuring the foam padding wraps snugly around the thigh.

The waist strap should allow for a comfortable fit; you should be able to fit about three or four fingers underneath.

Adjustments:

After a week, if you notice the straps slipping, use the extra velcro provided to secure them in place.

Common Concerns

**How long does my baby need to be in the brace**

The prescribed duration for wearing the brace will be determined by Dr. St George based on your child's specific needs.

**Emotional Adjustment**

It's normal for babies to feel upset initially as they adjust to the restriction in movement. This usually improves within a few days.

**Activities**

The brace allows for a range of movements—your child can roll, sit, and walk, but standard crawling may be limited.

**Cleaning**

The brace can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, while the straps should be washed with mild soap and warm water. Regularly de-fluff the velcro to maintain its effectiveness.

**Safety Considerations**

The Rhino Brace is not considered safe to wear in a car seat unless the seat has been modified by an occupational therapist.

Always remove the brace for car rides unless advised otherwise.

**Skin Care and Irritation**

To prevent skin irritation, ensure there's a layer of clothing between the brace and your child's skin.

Check for redness daily and apply barrier creams as needed. If the skin has blistered or broken ensure skin is clean and dry and apply a blister bandaid if required.

Additional Resources

For further information on hip dysplasia and support resources, you may visit:Healthy Hips Australia

For any questions regarding the brace's fit or function, please reach out to our office via email at admin@drjustine.com.au or drjstgeorge@gmail.com, or call us at 02 7233 4999.